A focus on Mars

The short nights of June offer a magnificent array of beautiful astronomical alignments. Mars slips past Regulus, the brightest star of Leo, early in the month, with Venus moving past the twin stars of Gemini soon after. A partial lunar eclipse on the 26th of the month completes one of the best sky watching months of the year.

Mars, our next door neighbor named for the ancient Roman god of war, is the fourth planet from the sun. Mars is a bright reddish orange and owes its color to iron rich minerals in its soil. Aristotle was among the first known writers to describe observations of Mars, noting that, as it passed behind the Moon, it was farther away than was originally believed. In 1609, Mars was viewed by Galileo, who was first to see it via telescope.

For Kids – What Do Satellite Images Tell Us About Mars? 7:30 p.m. Evergreen Space Museum

Star Lab – Night Sky Orientation – 8:00 p.m. Evergreen Space Museum

Film – Hubble 3D - 9:00 p.m. Evergreen IMAX Theater

Star Gazing will occur in the parking lot behind the Space Museum when night falls – feel free to bring your lawn chairs, telescopes, or binoculars. Local astronomy groups will be on hand with their telescopes to help you find the wonders of the night sky.

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To inspire and educate, promote and preserve aviation and space history, and honor the patriotic service of our veterans.The Museum and The Waterpark are 501C3 organizations and our IRS Form 990 is available upon request.